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A Sept. 9 celebration at the Liberty Hotel honored a special group of mothers – moms of childhood cancer survivors and childhood cancer patients currently in treatment at MassGeneral Hospital for Children.

Celebrating Amazing Moms

05/Oct/2012

A MOTHER’S LOVE: Nicole Smith, left, gave a speech in honor of her mom, Anne Wayno

A mother's love and tireless support of her children deserve to be honored. A Sept. 9 celebration at the Liberty Hotel honored a special group of mothers – moms of childhood cancer survivors and childhood cancer patients currently in treatment at MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC). More than 30 women gathered for the third annual Celebrating Amazing Moms event, which included brunch, two speakers, a cooking demonstration and a raffle drawing.

“Celebrating Amazing Moms is designed to build connections between parents and honor moms who often shoulder much of their child’s care,” says Elyse Levin-Russman, LICSW, social worker in the Center for Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and the event’s organizer. “It’s a small way to offer appreciation for all that mothers do for their children.”

“I was seated at a table with three other mothers of children with brain tumors,” says Michelle McKiernan, a member of the MGHfC Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Family Advisory Committee. “Not all of us had met before this event, but we had an instant connection and understanding due to our experiences with our kids.”

The event was one of many coordinated by the Center for Pediatric Hematology-Oncology in recognition of September as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Other events included activities for patients such as arts and crafts with groups like ConKerr Cancer and the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Outreach Program, treats like the “famous” chocolate fountain, a check presentation from Hyundai and information tables.